FAQs
If you have any questions, we should be able to help you here, but if you need anything else please do phone us, or email us during our opening hours of Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 17:00. We are closed on weekends and Bank Holidays.
Please refer to the first box for our Christmas deadline dates.
Christmas deadlines and opening hours
All Made to Measure deadlines have passed. Completed products submitted prior to deadlines will be delivered in time for Christmas. All fabric orders will be processed and shipped up until December 20th. Our office and showroom reopen at 9:00 on January 2nd, 2025.
Do you have a list of all your current fabric prices?
Indeed, you are able to print our insert or download it. This includes an overview of every product we offer as part of our Made to Measure service, along with a list of all of our current fabric, rugs, runners, and wallpaper/covering prices for 2024.
What are the lead times for all Made to Measure items
Lead times for Made to Measure items:
Drum, Pair of Candles, and Empire Lampshades - up to 6 weeks / Headboards - up to 6 weeks / Roller & Roman Blinds - up to 8 weeks / Pleated Lampshades - up to 8 weeks / Cushions - Up to 8 weeks / Quilts - up to 8 weeks / Curtains - up to 8 weeks / Sofas, Chairs, Pouffe's & Footstools - up to 12 weeks
What are the starting prices for your Made to Measure furniture & soft Furnishings?
ARMCHAIRS - Traditional with fixed back - *Starting from £2,393 / Traditional with back cushion - £2,492 / Sapperton - *Starting from £2,226 / Tub - *Starting from £1,735 / Chedworth - *Starting from £2,284
SOFA'S - Traditional with fixed back *Starting from £3,093 / Traditional with back cushions *Starting from £3,324 / Cirencester - *Starting from £3,380 / Chedworth - *Starting from £3,093
FOOTSTOOLS - Circular Pouffe *Starting from £485 / Cube Footstool *Starting from £425 / Amberley - *Starting from £1,339 / Ashcroft - *Starting from £1,078
HEADBOARDS - Rectangular - *Starting from £703 / Rounded - *Starting from £703 / Sculptured - *Starting from £946
CUSHIONS - *Starting from £63. Based on a 14" x 14", self-piped and zipped cushion in Plain Linen Union.
QUILTS - *Starting from £578. Based on a small sized quilt with piped edges, all in Plain Linen Union.
LAMPSHADES: Empire - *Starting from £86 / Drum - £87 / 10" Pleated - £183 / Pair of Candle Shades (smallest shade available) - £54
*All prices are based on the smallest or only available size, self-piped, with feather or medium foam filled cushions (where applicable), and covered in Plain Linen Union fabric.
Where can I order a brochure?
We have a dedicated page for our brochures, which you can order a hard copy from. As an alternative, to reduce carbon footprints, you'll see that there's also an electronic brochure that you can flick through as your leisure, or, even better, share to a friend! Please click here to browse.
What types of fabric do you sell?
Nearly all of our fabrics are a really good quality, medium weight Linen, and Organic Cotton mix called Linen Union, which is woven in Lancashire. We also sell 100% Linen fabrics, 100% British Wool, Velvet, and lastly Scandinavian Wovens, where unlike the others, the colours are woven into the fabrics.
How do I order samples?
Simply select the fabric of your choice, click on the “Order a Sample” button next to your chosen fabric, wallpaper/wall covering, or floor rug, and proceed to the basket as normal - we don't charge for the first 5, however, there is a £2.00 postage charge applied to all sample orders; this applies to the aforementioned 5 free samples. For more than 5 samples it will cost £1 each thereafter, and for overseas orders, we do make a charge. 20 samples is the maximum amount that can be placed per order.
Find out more about shipping costs on our samples by clicking here.
Can I have a larger sample to test out in my home?
Of course, these are referred to as 'returnable samples'. They are full widths of fabrics cut to 50cm in length. We can send them directly to you, or your chosen destination. We charge you for each returnable, (price varies depending on the specific fabric added to order), and then refunded on their safe return to our showroom. These can be kept for up to 4 weeks.
Please note that we do not reimburse the postage spent for returnable samples, this includes any money paid by the customer to return them to us. Please click here to find out more about our returnable samples.
What size part metres do you sell?
We cut our fabrics to 10cm increments, starting at 50cm, which is our minimum order.
What is the maximum amount of fabric you can send as folded?
We can send the following quantities of fabric as folded with Royal Mail - The minimum is 50cm, and the maximum is 2 metres.
Do you provide a Made to Measure service? If so, what products are included in this service?
Yes we do offer a Made to Measure service, and included in this service are Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds, Curtains, Lampshades, Quilts, Cushions, Headboards, Footstools, Chairs, and Sofas. All of these items are made using Vanessa Arbuthnott fabric designs only. We do not make any of these items using other fabrics, this includes reupholstery of our existing frames using someone else's fabrics.
Our committed team of artisans uses Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabric designs to meticulously create soft furnishings and furniture to the highest standards in UK based workrooms. All items are made to order and can be customized to meet your needs. Please enquire for bespoke orders.
Do you offer a Design Consultation Service?
Yes, this is available via three different methods:
1. Virtual - A free of charge, 30 minute consultation via WhatsApp video call. Our Design Consultant will call you directly from our showroom, where you can show her around your home and discuss your interior projects where she will suggest fabrics and colours thereafter.
2. Showroom Consultation - If you would like to visit our showroom to discuss your interior projects, then please contact us to book your time with our Design Consultant. This is again, free of charge. We can help you with how to measure, discuss colours, fabrics, and designs, as well as our Made to Measure service.
3. Home Design Consultation - We can come to you! This would cost £100 which is redeemable if you place an order with us after the visit. On arrival, our Design Consultant will have all our fabric books and brochures to hand ready to help guide you through your soft furnishings and furniture ideas for your interiors.
Do you have guides on how to measure for curtains and blinds?
Absolutely, we do! On the landing pages for both Curtains and Roller or Roman Blinds, click "Measuring Instructions" under "Help & More" to get the pop-up instructions. A dedicated page called "Measuring, Care Advice & Hanging Instructions" is also available on our website. The measuring instructions are available here for reading and printing, along with other helpful materials like "Prolonging the life of your curtains".
Do you have hanging instructions available online for Made to Measure items?
Yes, we do, and if necessary, all of them can be printed off, or downloaded/shared electronically. Please visit our 'Hanging Instructions' page for more information.
Sale page, including Discontinued Fabrics
The sale page sells discounted designer fabrics, soft furnishings, furniture, accessories, and wall coverings.
Fabrics: Folded Remnants - These range from 40cm to 1.5 metres in length. Discontinued fabrics - This section includes 'Cut Lengths' and 'By the Metre' rolls of Discontinued fabric which once it has sold, will not be re-printed or reprieved (more information below).
Differences between 'Cut Lengths' and 'By the Metre' fabrics: 'Cut Length' fabric is purchased in its entirety and is a pre-cut length of fabric that has been placed onto a cardboard tube - On the fabric of your choice, there are drop-down lists with the various length options available. You can purchase 'By the Metre' fabric in any quantity you choose; the minimum order is 50cm, and we cut in 10cm increments thereafter.
Wall Coverings: All Discontinued Wall Coverings are £15 per roll, which again like the fabric, once sold will not be re-printed.
Furniture: Collection is available for furniture selling from our showroom, however, if you would like us to deliver the item(s), then please contact us using the details provided below in 'Postage'.
Postage: Royal Mail will deliver smaller accessories, and folded fabric remnants up to 1.5 meters in length. Larger bespoke items, wall coverings, and fabrics measuring 1.5 meters or more will automatically be shipped with Parcelforce. By the metre fabric will automatically be placed on a cardboard tube, unless the quantity you need is less than 1.5 meters, in which case it can be sent as folded via Royal Mail (choices are available during checkout). Please contact us for a 1-person, or 2-person quote on delivery, if you would prefer for us to send any sale furniture that you have purchased from our showroom.
Sale Fabric Disclaimer: After purchase, we assume no liability for fading, defects, or issues with the fabric. Since the fabrics in sales are either discontinued, seconds, or ends of rolls, we do not advise using them for blinds where possible blemishes are more noticeable. It is therefore up to the user to choose how or what they use the fabric for and where it is placed after completion, if the customer still wants to make any of the aforementioned. We will not be held liable if any problems arise.
Product Disclaimer: All sale products, fabrics and wallpaper rolls are non-returnable.
Do you deliver your furniture for free?
We deliver furniture for free within a 100 mile radius of our showroom (GL7 1QX), and charged by mileage thereafter.
What are the delivery options for larger pieces of furniture?
We offer a one-person delivery for larger pieces of furniture. In this instance we please ask that you or someone else be available on the day of delivery, to help the driver offload & manoeuvre the furniture piece(s) indoors.
If you cannot do this and instead need two drivers to assist, please choose 'Furniture - 2 Person Delivery' upon checkout.
Delivery costs are free of charge as long as you are located within a 100 mile radius of our showroom, after which, you will be charged for mileage thereafter for both above options.
What is the fullness of your Made to Measure curtains?
We make our curtains to a different fullness depending on the curtain header, which is as follows:
Pencil Pleat - 2.2
Double Pleat - 2.3
Triple Pleat - 2.5
5cm and 10cm Cottage Pleat - 2.2
Flop-over-frill - 2.2
If you would like your curtains to look less full, we can adjust this on the Pencil Pleat, and Cottage Pleat headings only, (for Cottage Pleats this includes both 5cm & 10cm headers). To receive a bespoke quote please phone or email us to discuss further.
Can you make dress curtains?
Even though this is not a part of our usual Made to Measure service, we would be pleased to talk about it with you as part of a bespoke order. You can discuss your options with us by phoning or emailing us.
What are your fabric delivery options?
We offer an Express 24-hour service as standard. For any larger parcels, they will be sent on an Express 48-hour service for 2 day turn around, both with Parcelforce.
Pricing will vary depending on what is ordered, please click here to view our delivery and returns page.
Do you have a shop or showroom?
We certainly do! Our shop and showroom opened in June 2015 and is based in the beautiful Cotswold town of Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The nearest car park to us is The Brewery Car Park (postcode GL7 1HN) and is about 1 minute on foot. Cirencester has some lovely shops, tea rooms, restaurants, markets and museums to explore - why not make a day of it?! Click here to find out more about the area, and for more car parking options, see the FAQ below.
Do you provide parking at your Cirencester showroom?
We regretfully do not provide on-site parking. Outside our showroom, there is street parking available, however spaces are never guaranteed. The Beeches Car Park, which is around 11 minutes' walk away, is the best option for long-stay parking. There are numerous options available, though; you can browse them via the Cotswold District Council website.
Is your company environmentally aware?
We make every effort to minimize the environmental impact of our offices, which are heated by air-to-air source heat pumps and have highly insulated warehouse and sample rooms made of sheep's wool.
We use recycled paper for the offices and dispatch, shopping bags provided are biodegradable, as are the cardboard used or packaging. All of our discarded paper and card is then shredded and used as bedding for Vanessa's chickens and ducks, which creates compost for the garden!
The Surface Print Company, which prints all of our wallpapers and wall coverings, are aware of their responsibilities to the environment and is wholly committed to improving manufacturing processes in line with this.
For more information on our environmental responsibility, please click here.
Can you tell me what your policy is on eco-friendly practices and process methods?
In order to make our exclusive linen union, which we use for all of our fabrics, we only purchase certified organic cotton that is blended with environmentally friendly flax.
This is due to the fact that non-organic cotton is the dirtiest crop in the world to grow since it depends heavily on pesticides that are harmful to both human and animal health. The usage of pesticides has detrimental effects on biodiversity and contaminates local water sources.
Over time the pests build up resistance, so the farmers have to increase the amount of pesticide they buy to grow the same quantities of cotton. The high cost of these pesticides frequently puts the farmers into debt; in April 2009 in Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state, this caused 1,500 farmers to commit suicide. The World Health Organisation reports three million pesticide poisonings per year in developing countries, where almost all cotton is produced. Symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning include vomiting, skin rashes, headaches, tremors, respiratory problems, muscle cramps, blurred vision, and lack of coordination, seizures, and death. By buying organic cotton you increase demand and help more farmers to be taken out of the debt cycle and have a better quality of life.
For more information on our environmental responsibility, please click here.
Where can I find your brochure on your website?
You can find our brochures on our Homepage, second row down. Or you can go to the 'Inspiration' tab at the top of the page where it will be one of the options provided. Here is a link just in case.
If you are abroad & don’t want to pay the £6 postage fee, or just want to limit your carbon footprint, you can flick through our online version here
Can your fabrics be used for upholstery?
Except for the Scandinavian Wovens and the Harris Tweed fabrics (FAQ below), all of our fabrics can be used for upholstery. However, you can choose wovens or tweeds for light upholstery only and for furniture pieces like headboards where there is less chance of damage from heavy use.
Can I use Scandinavian Woven, or Harris Tweed fabrics for upholstery?
We would recommend using our Wovens and/or Harris Tweed fabrics for light upholstery only. As heavy use would pull the weave, cause damage, or fade the colour over time. For example on a sofa, we would only advise using it on seldom used furniture. We do not use these fabrics to create any of our Made to Measure furniture items as a result. If you would still like us to make a piece of furniture out of Wovens or Tweeds that won't be used as frequently, please contact us by phone or email us where we would be happy to discuss it further.
I want to use the fabrics for upholstery. How do they score on a rub test?
Rub Test and colourfastness - Plain Linen Unions score BWS rating 5, the rest of our fabrics score BWS ratings 6-7 for colourfastness to light.
Our printed fabrics score 30,000 on the Martindale Rub Test, with our Plain Linen Unions going up to 36,000 for wear and tear, excluding our Woven range which scores 15,000.
Please note that we would not recommend putting any furniture covered in our fabrics into direct sunlight as all fabric is liable to fade under these conditions.
Roller Blind finishings
We offer processed, laminated, or blackout as the different finishings on our Roller Blinds. The processed is just the fabric on its own without any lining, with just a stiffening spray applied to it for rigidness - our double-sided fabrics such as the Lapland, Scandi, and Baltic Stripes are all good options for this as you see the design from both sides. The next option is laminated, which is a cream backing that is adhered to the reverse of the main fabric. And lastly, a white blackout lining, perfect for light blocking and privacy.
How hard are roller blinds to install?
The simple answer is not at all. We provide you with two fixture brackets and four screws used for installation, so you can have your blinds up in less than 30 mins! Installing blinds could not be easier and is perfect for someone who is new to DIY work. You just need a cross head screwdriver, a pencil, a tape measure, and a drill. When properly installed, the roller blind will sit neatly inside or outside the window recess. If you would like to hide the top roll from view and it is fitted inside a recess, we can now offer a pelmet made to match your blind.
Roller Blind Pelmets
'Roller shields' or 'pelmets' can be added to a roller blind to cover the white roll at the top, however, they are exclusively for inside recesses and top fix only. The depth of the recess itself must be at least 10 cm.
Where can I find details on your returns and delivery policy?
You can find our full policies here.
Cut lengths of fabric are non-returnable. A 'STOP' sign is attached to every roll of fabric, asking you or the maker to double-check and asses that it is, in fact, the correct fabric before cutting. Once cut, we cannot accept returns.
Larger fabric returnables (full-width fabrics cut to 50cm in length), are posted back to us at your cost. On safe receipt, we will then refund you the difference. Returnables can be kept for up to 4 weeks, but should you need them for longer, then please let us know.
Rolls of wallpaper/wall coverings and rugs can be returned, but again this will be at your cost. They should be in perfect condition & sent back within 30 days of purchase. Once safely back at our showroom, we will refund you accordingly and send you a courtesy email confirming the transaction.
Do you ship Fabrics and Made to Measure items overseas?
We frequently dispatch fabric internationally on cardboard tubes with two layers of plastic wrapping to protect it from the elements However, we do not ship any Made to Measure products overseas because they can be misplaced in shipping, or split up if there are multiple consignments.
We advise hiring a seamstress, upholsterer, or maker who can help in your area due to the high levels of risk. We can send the fabric out in accordance with the total amount of fabric that will be required once they have calculated the required quantity needed.
Please be aware that for EU packages, we will dispatch your item as "Delivery Duty Unpaid," meaning that you are responsible for paying all applicable VAT, duties, and clearance fees as directed by Customs in your own country. Upon checkout, you will be prompted to accept these terms before payment.
What are application instructions for Wallpaper &/or Wall Coverings?
1. For Wallpaper - Measure the height of the wall to be prepared. Lay the wallpaper on a clean floor or table and cut allowing extra at the bottom and top so you can trim the paper if needed. Place the paste onto the back of the Wallpaper and then apply to the wall.
2. For Wall Coverings - Apply the paste directly onto the wall, not the back of the Wall Covering. Once placed onto the wall, brush out any air bubbles with a good quality brush as normal - the same applies to Wallpaper.
3. Cut off excess wallpaper at the top and bottom with a Stanley knife.
4. Cut the next drop of wallpaper allowing for pattern matching and extra trimming at the top and the bottom (just like matching fabric).
5. Now paste the next drop of wallpaper/section of the wall, and place it alongside the first, matching the pattern.
We always recommend using a good quality, ready mixed paste, such as Halls Beeline or Solvite.
What paste should I use for applying your Wallpaper & Wall Coverings?
We recommend using a good quality, ready mixed paste such as Solvite or Halls Beeline, as these have the correct amount of water in them. If mixed at home, it could contain too much water, thus potentially causing shrinkage of the wallpaper/wall covering once hung and dried, so we would highly recommend purchasing a commercially available, ready mixed paste.
What lampshade designs are available?
There are four styles available for lampshades:
Empire - A flat surfaced, bell-shaped lampshade.
Candle Shades - They are a similar shape to the Empire, just a smaller version. These are always sold as a pair.
Drum Shade - A cylindrical shaped shade with a flat surface, that comes with the option of a contrast inner lining. *Please note that the larger 50cm x 30cm shade requires fabric to be joined, so there will be two visible seams.
Pleated Shade - A slightly cone-shaped shade, with gathered fabric on the outer. This does not have the option for a contrast inner lining, instead, it is lined with cotton. *Please note that the 10" & 12" pleated shades come with a fixed gimble, and the 14" & 16" shades are supplied with a gimble that you then attached on placement.
If I choose a contrast lining for the inside of my drum lampshade, will the fabric on the inside show through?
If another one of our fabrics is used for the inside lining of your drum lampshade, then it will show through slightly when lit at night time. Our maker uses a white laminate to place the fabrics onto, so the secondary fabric is as hidden as it can be, but when lit during the evening will show through a little. During the day this is of course not a problem, but please be aware of this when considering the purchase.
Where is the beech wood for your furniture sourced?
Our beech is imported from Germany and is all FSC certified.
How can I look after my made to measure furniture?
We advise plumping the seat cushions of any sofas or chairs with feather filling at least once a week to maintain longevity. Occasionally, switch left and right hand cushions to balance out fabric fading and wear. Try to routinely vacuum the fabric to maintain cleanliness. Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the furniture whenever possible because it will eventually cause fading, as it would do with any fabric.
How can I prolong the life of my curtains?
Here are some suggestions to help your curtains last longer. Sadly, fading is likely to occur with our fabrics as it would with any other if they are placed anywhere near direct sunshine.
- You can draw them well back from the light, you can line and interline them, and also draw them with a pulley system to avoid making the leading edge dirty.
- Swapping the curtains over from time to time helps to keep the fabric exposed to sunlight at a minimum. Please also beware of using spray cleaners in rooms with our fabrics - blues are especially vulnerable. This is due to the chemicals found in the sprays (including bleaching agents) which can settle on the folds of blinds and curtains and cause them to fade over time. Also be very careful as some sprays may contain oil based liquids. We cannot be held liable for fading of this kind. Fabrics can also fade if exposed to gas from heaters, boilers, and cookers. Click here to download a PDF, which also gives you some hints & tips on cleaning your curtains.
Please click here to see our copy of 'How to prolong the life of your curtains', under 'Care Advice', which you can read and download if needed.
What lining do you use on your curtains?
The composition of the curtain linings used on our curtains is a mix of cotton and polyester.
How can I get the creases out of my new curtains?
Once they are hanging you can spray them with a water spray and leave them to hang out creases. Failing that you can use a water steamer – these are effective at removing creases.
For deeper creases, we would recommend a home service visit where operators can clean your curtains on site and in situ, Service Master is a good starting point. Please click here to download and print our hints and tips on prolonging the life of your curtains
Can you help me to calculate how much fabric I will need for my curtains and blinds?
Yes we can, however, the quantity that we provide will be based on our online calculator which has been specifically set up to our makers' guidelines. For example, our curtain makers would allow 30cm for hem allowance, so this will be factored into the calculation. Other makers may not work to this so quantities will subsequently differ, so it is suggested you call around before committing to a purchase.
Please contact us if you would like us to give you the quantity of fabric needed. If you would like to do this yourself, simply go to the fabric of your choice, click on 'Curtains' or 'Blinds' under 'Use this fabric to make', enter all of your details in our step-by-step Made to Measure guide, click on 'Confirm or print', and look to 'Length required' under Main Fabric.
How much fabric do I need to make a cushion?
The following estimate is based on what we would offer to our makers; however, if you or a seamstress are producing them instead, keep in mind that the hem allowance and overall quantity required may differ - We would provide 50cm of fabric for a 16" cushion and 60cm of fabric for an 18" or 20" cushion to our makers.
How can I stop my rug slipping on a hard wood floor?
The lovely Solva Woollen Mill in Pembrokeshire, which hand weaves our rugs and runners, also sell anti-slip mats that you can place underneath to prevent slippage. This is offered for sale online here.
You can, however, go online and do a general search for anti-slip mats and the results will follow.
If I have made a mistake and ordered the wrong fabric, is it returnable?
In this case, you would have to get in touch with us right away before any fabric is cut. We can make a direct exchange if the new fabric is the same kind as the one that was originally ordered, such as 100% linen. However, if the fabric is more expensive, the difference will need to be paid; similarly, if the fabric is less expensive, we will need to make arrangements for a refund accordingly. If our 30-day return policy is not followed, we regrettably may not be able to assist with the aforementioned.
What is the chance of my order being in stock?
If you are intending on ordering a large quantity of fabric, we would please ask you to call in advance of your order, or visit to the showroom, so that we can check the stock levels. If we are either running low on stock, or your fabric choice is unavailable, we will give you an estimated time of when the new batch will arrive from our printers.
Should you want to purchase a larger quantity of fabric from our showroom and are travelling from a distance, we kindly ask that you call ahead to verify stock levels. If we are unable to process the order straight away, we would not want to disappoint you on the day of your arrival, so please contact us and we will be happy to check the stock for you.
Cleaning instructions for fabrics & rugs/runners?
Printed fabrics - Dry clean only.
Plain Linen Unions - Washable (30°).
Lined, interlined, and blackout lined curtains - We advise Hand-made interlined curtains to be dry cleaned by a curtain specialist. Green Earth dry cleaning at Johnsons would be a good starting point, or, if your curtains are quite large, Service Master will come to your home and clean them on site & in situ. Please avoid standard domestic dry cleaning, and if you are using a green dry clean at a dry cleaners, be aware that they have an acceptable level of shrinkage (3-4%), that could affect your curtains.
When making up linen curtains we recommend the lining is hemmed separately to avoid any sagging. Hems should be on both sides but not the bottom.
Wall Coverings - Can be washed.
Wallpapers - Can be sponged.
Rugs & Floor Runners - Stripe and Dash Rugs and Runners are dry clean only. All Rainbow and Herringbone Rugs and Runners are machine washable at 30 degrees.
Fringed ends on runners and rugs
The following designs have fringed ends: Herringbone - Rose, Herringbone - Thunder & Bracken, Rainbow and Geometric. All of them except the Geometric, are available as both rugs and runners (stair &/or floor runners). The fringed ends on all of the aforementioned are included in the overall length. So if you order a runner at 3.5 metres, the fringe is included in the allotted length. The fringes themselves measure approximately 2cm each side.
Is your fabric Cigarette tested?
Yes, all of our fabrics pass the Cigarette test: The Cigarette Test - BS 5852: schedule 4: part 1: 1979 - this means that our fabric passes for domestic use within our home for soft furnishings. For Domestic Upholstery, the fabric does not need to be treated with Fire Retardant (FR), but the upholsterer must use a Schedule 3 fire retardant interliner. Please note, our fabrics DO NOT pass the match test. The fabric will need to be FR treated.
Can you apply a fire retardant, or water & stain repellent treatment to your fabrics?
Yes, if you require either of those, we do offer them. You will need to contact us for a quote since this is an additional fee we can add to fabric orders. If you order Made to Measure item, however, the option for water & stain repellence is automatically offered to you at the time of ordering.
How do I clean my roman blind?
Carefully sweep the blind with the vacuum while holding a bristle brush at the end to prevent dust build-up. Use a barely damp towel to gently wipe away any dirty areas; avoid rubbing too vigorously or the colour may be lost.
Dry cleaning is not advised because it can result in shrinking, and avoid cleaning sprays containing oil or bleach in rooms with blinds or curtains is not recommended since the mist will settle on the folds of the blinds or curtains and result in colour loss and/or damage. Gas burners and flames can also result in colour loss.
Can I keep track of dispatched orders?
Yes, you can stay updated by giving us your mobile number, either while creating your account, or during checkout. Following that, the number will be allocated to your parcel(s) upon dispatch, and on the day of delivery, you will receive a text message informing you of the delivery time; typically they will give you a one hour time slot as to when to expect them.
Another option is to give us an email address that will be used to send a tracking number after shipping. Then, you may use this number to access Parcelforce, our courier's website, where you can see in real-time the precise location of your parcel in transit, as well as the estimated arrival time of the driver. For access to the tracking website, kindly click here.
Do your fabrics fade?
Our fabrics can fade in very sunny windows over time.
Please be warned not to use any cleaning sprays in rooms with curtains and blinds as sometimes they contain bleach, and the mist will settle on the folds of the blinds or curtains and cause potential colour loss. Avoid any oil based sprays as well as this will damage the fabric. Also gas boilers and fires can cause colour loss.
Here are some tips to help you care for your lovely new curtains and help reduce the risk of fading. Before ordering, you might want to consider:
• Lining and interlining them.
• Adding a leading edge. This will catch a good deal of the sunlight and can be replaced if needs be. Once you have them hanging up:
• Draw them well back from the light when they aren’t in use. • Swap the curtains over from time to time to keep the fabric exposed to sunlight at a minimum.
• Beware of using spray cleaners in rooms with our fabrics - this is due to the chemicals found in such sprays (which can include bleaching agents) settling on the folds of the fabric and causing them to fade. Blues are especially vulnerable to fading of this kind.
• Consider drawing them using a pulley system to avoid making the leading edge dirty.
• Be sure to fling open the doors on a sunny, breezy day - the very best way to keep your curtains fresh! Cleaning your curtains • Green Earth dry cleaning at Johnsons or elsewhere, where a silicone based solvent cleaning agent is used and it is our recommended option for cleaning your curtains. There is a danger that the curtains could shrink during the cleaning process. Believe it or not, dry cleaners have an acceptable level of ‘shrinkage’ (3-4%)
• An alternative (which is not a green option), would be to clean the curtains in situ in your home. A company like Service Master is a good starting point.
What are the policies on your sale fabrics?
Fabrics are in our sale because they are either end of rolls, discontinued, or seconds. Please note that these sale rolls do have some small marks and imperfections and therefore we would not advise using them for blinds where they will be more noticeable.
*Sale Fabric - Once purchased, we are not responsible for any fading, flaws, or difficulties with the fabric. We do not recommend using discounted fabric for blinds since the fabrics are either discontinued, seconds, or ends of rolls. As a result, if the customer still wants to make any of the aforementioned up, it is up to the user to decide how or what they use the fabric for and where it is invariably placed once the makeup is finished. We will not be held liable if any problems arise.
All sale products, fabrics, and wallpaper rolls are non-returnable.
To browse our sale items, please click here.
Can you make any furniture or soft furnishings, using pre-purchased Vanessa Arbuthnott fabric?
Sadly we are unable to create any furniture or soft furnishings using pre-purchased fabric. This applies to both discounted and full-priced fabrics.
Is the cotton you buy GOTS?
Yes, our weavers buy GOTS, (Global Organic Textile Standard), certified cotton yarn to add to our linen to weave our linen union.
How many fabric options do I get for Made to Measure quilts?
Your quilt can be made with a up to three different fabrics of your choice: the primary fabric on top, the reverse, and the contrast edges to finish. But this is just an option. If you'd prefer, you can use just two fabrics, with the edge in either the top or bottom fabric you've previously selected, or the same fabric for the front and back with a different design for the edging.
Price changes
All of our products and fabrics are subject to change at any time during the year at the sole discretion of the proprietor.
Do you have a way of filtering the fabrics to specific colours, patterns etc?
Yes, we do, and there are various methods for gaining access to these filters.
The fabric filters will all be displayed if you hover over, or click on "Fabrics" in the top left corner of our website.
You can go to "Fabrics" again, click on "All fabrics," which will take you to a page with all the filters displayed on the left-hand side, ready for you to select the ones you want.
On a landing page for Made to Measure soft furnishings, such as curtains, you will also see all of the swatches that will be filtered after selection.
These filters include "Best Sellers" and "Vanessa's Favourites," which are updated on a monthly basis and provide you with a fantastic insight into both what is popular, and what Vanessa feels is particularly inspirational, as picked and inputted by her!